merchant directory

[affcheck]

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A couple of our members have suggested that a merchant directory would be a "nice to have".

By this I basically mean a list of all merchants, regardless of network, detailing key info such as cookie length, basic commission rate etc.

This would enable users to:
(a) see what merchants are available for a specific category
(b) compare commission/cookie when the same merchant is available on different networks
(c) other things that we haven't thought of

As this information isn't user specific we thought it would be a nice feature to have on our site for both members and visitors.

Is this something that would be of interest, and if so what other useful information would you ideally like to see.

NB. we can not provide member data such as EPC

Cheers
Tom

[allaffiliatepro]

There are a lot of affiliate directories out there. I know of over 40.

[affcheck]

OK, well I guess there is little point in reinventing the wheel...

But maybe you could post a few links to the best ones, as some of our members have shown an interest in this type of thing, so maybe there not that well known.

Cheers
Tom

[CompareStore]

The problem with most of the affiliate directories I have seen is that most of them are maintained by a single person and are hopelessly out-of-date.

I think a directory within this forum is a great idea as it would be maintained by everyone and therefore be up-to-the-minute!

[Dynamoo]

Maybe affiliates could rate the merchant too?

[allaffiliatepro]

Hi,
Don't let me put you off, I've got one planned myself. Just letting you know that there are a lot out there. I would post my list but at the moment it's reserved for my merchants. I will be releashing a more general resource in the future.

Lyle

[Matthew Wood]

"I would post my list but at the moment it's reserved for my merchants"

Seems a little selfish?

We're planning one just after the Christmas rush, we used to have one a while back, but updating it is a nightmare.

Comparestore offers a good idea, a directory that people can update on an open basis... by everyone, or maybe an army of volunteers.

[jimbojones]

Hi all,

As a merchant - I would love an affiliate directory where i can search through listed affiliates and hand-select the ones that i think would be most suitable for my program.

The criteria could be divided into specific areas such as automotive, electronics, etc. whereby affiiates can be approached by merchants specific to those areas.

It's just an idea - but is it implementable ? Would any merchants/affiliates be interested in such a directory ?

Are there any resources similar to this already out there ?

cheers

Jimbo

www.newreg.com

[affcheck]

So it seems that it would be useful, but generally it's the problem that it's not upto date.

Hopefully thats were we can be useful as we would use our existing collection technology to update it (probably on a weekly basis??), so you can be sure that it correct and upto date.

This would remove the hassle of maintaining it, but we could either add the function to add reviews, or even supply the data to Matt here at a4uforum for it to be integrated into the forum.

But apart from reviews is there anything else that could be useful?

I think the affiliate directory could be useful, but it would have to be on a manual input basis, as I don't think it would be a good idea to create such a list without the individual affiliates agreeing to be on it. or...?

[drivetowin]

Originally posted by jimbojones
Hi all,

As a merchant - I would love an affiliate directory where i can search through listed affiliates and hand-select the ones that i think would be most suitable for my program.

The criteria could be divided into specific areas such as automotive, electronics, etc. whereby affiiates can be approached by merchants specific to those areas.

A couple of us from the forum already have plans/ideas on this, but it wont be implemented until the new year - just too busy with some event involving a guy with a white beard and a red coat right now

[SillyJokes]

Don't you need some sort of Wiki for this? So people can add and delete?

[jimbojones]

Originally posted by affcheck

I think the affiliate directory could be useful, but it would have to be on a manual input basis, as I don't think it would be a good idea to create such a list without the individual affiliates agreeing to be on it. or...?

I totally agree - there must be some sort of registration or sign-up available.

- obviously this would only apply to the affiliates who are actively seeking merchants but in this instance it would serve as a haven for where they can be found.

I also think they should include a brief description of their site, with a link, and why they think they would make a good affiliate.
- there has to be something in place to entice a merchant to approach them.

any more thoughts or ideas ?

cheers

Jamie

www.newreg.com